Congress men try to attack Chiranjeevi in Tirupati

Congress workers allegedly barged into a hotel and tried to attack Praja Rajyam Party chief Chiranjeevi today accusing the actor-politician of distributing money among voters through his partymen.

A scuffle took place between more than 50 Congress workers and PRP activists, who repulsed the attack at the hotel where Chiranjeevi had put up, leading to police lathicharge on the Congress workers.

On the demand of the Congress workers, police searched the vehicles of PRP leaders, who strongly objected to the Congress' action, but found no cash.

Chiranjeevi later told media that the Congress was resorting to such "heinous acts" only out of fear of losing the elections. "I was told that some anti-social elements from other districts came here and raised slogans against me. There were many rowdy-sheeters in the mob that tried to attack us. The rowdy-sheets against them were removed and they were issued arms licenses. This only exposes the Congress' nefarious plans," he said.

He appealed to the Election Commission to take effective steps to ensure a free and fair election in Tirupati.

Chiranjeevi, who is contesting from Tirupati Assembly seat which will go to polls tomorrow in the second and final phase in the state, stayed back after his campaign and was supposed to visit hill shrine Tirumala with his wife to seek Lord Venkateswara Swamy's blessings.